The Warrnambool Standard reports that Operations Manager Malcolm Fallon said there was a “uninformed perception” that burning off could not be conducted during the fire danger period. “This misconception could not be further from the truth.”
He said District six, which covers Corangamite and the Colac-Otway shires, had born the brunt of criticism after fire restrictions began on November 1.
Several farmers and shire councillors slammed the set fire danger period, saying it was premature, given the recent heavy rainfall.
They were concerned that fire hazards could not be cleared from boggy paddocks and that fire permits came with onerous conditions.
Mr Fallon said the November 1 set date had now been in place for five years and was welcomed by volunteer firefighters.
“The whole aim of introducing restrictions at this time is to avoid volunteers being dragged away from their workplaces unnecessarily.
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